The Somerville police chief and mayor traveled to Portsmouth Hospital to be by the bedside of Officer Louis Remigio, 55, of Tewksbury. Remigio is a 30-year veteran of the department.

“Louis Remigio is exactly what you want in a police officer. Big, tough, kind, empathetic-everything you look for in a police officer,” Somerville Police Chief David Fallon said.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone said he has a tough battle ahead. “We’re going to continue to be by his bedside,” Curtatone said. “We’re going to continue to be there with his family. We’re praying for a miracle.”

Louis Remigio (Facebook Photo)

New Hampshire State Police said he was riding his motorcycle on I-95 at the Greenland-North Hampton line Sunday morning when 18-year-old Michael Ricci of Burlington crashed into him head-on in the southbound lanes.

Witnesses told investigators that Ricci had been racing other cars in a Mercedes-Benz in the northbound lanes before he crossed the highway and ran into Remigio.

“They had to be going over 80,” said witness Jessica Borkush. “Then all of a sudden that was it. There were car parts flying.”

As Jessica’s daughter called 911, she ran to assist Louis. “I said ‘Louis stay with us, stay with us,’” Jessica said.

Michael Ricci mug shot (Photo Courtesy: New Hampshire State Police)

“Up at the hospital, you spoke to his family and friends and you shared stories and his fellow officers and you see the toll it’s taken on their emotional status and there was a lot of emotion, and there was a lot of love up there,” Curtatone said.

Remigio’s wife passed away in 2016. He also has two daughters.

“I think he has a wonderful support system, a very loving family and we’re behind their family 1000 percent,” Fallon said.

A motorcycle at the scene of the crash (Photo Courtesy: John Karmen)

Ricci posted $10,000 cash bail and was released Monday afternoon. He will be arraigned in Rockingham County Superior Court on October 20.